Risk Rating: Moderate
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is assessed as MODERATE risk.
The country's political stability could be affected by factions within the current ruling family. The King's health is likely to continue to deteriorate in the near future, however it is likely that King Abdullah will be able to ensure succession of his son into power.
Persistent and rampant militant and terrorism activity continues to undermine national security.
High crime rates, frequent kidnappings, endemic corruption and continued civil unrest present a significant challenge to business operations.
Political Risk
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Internal tensions and factions within the Al Saud ruling family pose a threat to the political stability in Saudi Arabia
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It is highly unlikely that firms will encounter expropriation of assets or contract cancellation
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Corruption is endemic across Saudi Arabia
Asset Risk
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Jihad terrorists have expressed their desire to target assets in Saudi Arabia including hotels, tourist hotspots and official buildings. However the threat of a large scale attack remains low
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Assets in Eastern Provinces would be at risk should factions develop amongst militant Shia groups
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The threat to business operations from civil unrest remains low
Logistic Risk
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Politically motivated border closures may affect the passage of cargo into Qatar and the UAE
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Roadblocks by protesters are likely to affect business logistics in the Eastern Provinces
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There is a risk of cargo theft by Saudi militants and vehicles carrying non-Muslim personnel are more likely to be targeted
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Aviation cargo is at risk of damage from a jihad terrorist attack – however to avoid injuring Muslim civilians an attack on Saudi civilian flights is highly unlikely
Personnel Risk
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The travel risk for Saudi Arabia is MODERATE
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The risk of detention by local authorities increases outside gated compounds and police will generally side with local civilians in the case of a dispute
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Business personnel are at risk from targeted jihad terrorist activity, especially while moving around the country
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There is an elevated risk of kidnap for ransom or execution by jihad fighters and their sympathisers
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